Sometimes it only takes one event to make you take pause and reflect on what is truly important in the way in which we go about things.

Possibly it is the fact that today marks four decades on this planet, or it is the wind chill so frigid that makes even the most hardened of us to yelp out an, "oh my," that on this first Monday of the new year I find the counting of blessings to be what will carry me to year 41.

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Many people remembered the life of Stuart Scott on Sunday. The ESPN "SportsCenter" anchor understood what the "E" in the four-letter network he worked at truly meant. People claim that he redefined a culture, gave swag to following pastimes and was the torch bearer for so many others that aspired to find work in television. That all is true of the man who passed away this weekend.

Beyond that, though, he became the definition of a fighter. A dad, a family man, and a person taking every chance at landing a punch against stomach cancer – that is what Scott will be remembered for. Sure, the other side of the pillow and alternate phrases coined while delivering highlights was masterful taking in, but he was more. Who learns and practices MMA while taking on a disease? Well, Scott did.

He proved that every one of us who is fighting something – which is all of us – has little excuse to go out and take our time at the plate as a trivial matter. Swing for the fences. Every time.

Godspeed.

ANOTHER LOSS: Joseph Attanasio, the father of Brewers’ owner Mark Attanasio, died Friday at the age of 89. While never being a professional singer, he performed to sell-out crowds on home opening days at Miller Park. His singing of our "National Anthem" became a tradition and good luck charm of the "Crew."

THANK YOU: A special bow of gratitude to Andy Tarnoff, Jeff Sherman and the wonderful people I get to work with at OnMilwaukee.com. This year marks my fourth anniversary of writing commentaries and blogs for all of you. Thank you for taking a chance on this kid from the north side.

I never set out to fill anyone’s shoes or compete with others who also cover this beat. I just do my best to provide some perspective in a world that is regularly reported on, but usually moves forward without mentioning the reasons why certain things are done in certain ways. I write on local items, but also cover some of the national and digital stories that often get left behind. Here’s to another year.

BUSINESS: When I get information sent from local and national outlets, they get mentioned. The folks at Fox Business Network report that "Countdown to The Closing Bell with Liz Claman" is broadcasting from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Interview guests include: Blackberry CEO John Chen; iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman; Ford CEO Mark Fields and Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf.

HOLIDAYS: Much of the broadcasting industry keeps working the second half of December when many industries coast. A tip of the hat goes to those who smile, spend time away from friends and loved ones to deliver the news and entertainment we’ve come to expect every day. It is harder work with skeleton crews.

COMING: Before the holidays I spent some time with some really great people doing incredible work in our back yard. I’m looking forward to presenting those local interviews in the next couple of weeks.